Enjoy thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a delicious tangy and savory dressing for this easy Asian cucumber salad. This refreshing dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a picnic, or looking for a quick side dish for dinner. With its vibrant flavors and crisp texture, this salad stands out as a delightful complement to various main dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: This easy Asian cucumber salad comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Refreshing flavors: The combination of sesame oil, rice vinegar, and chili oil creates a tangy and savory dressing that perfectly enhances the freshness of the cucumbers.
- Versatile dish: Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a light snack. It complements many Asian dishes and works well alongside grilled meats or rice.
- Healthy ingredients: Packed with nutritious cucumbers and simple seasonings, this salad is low in calories but high in flavor.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or spiciness to your liking by varying the amount of sugar and chili oil used.
Tools and Preparation
To achieve the best results when making your easy Asian cucumber salad, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Refrigerator
Importance of Each Tool
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for your cucumbers, allowing them to maintain their crisp texture.
- Cutting board: A dedicated cutting board provides a safe surface for slicing your vegetables without damaging your countertops.
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients without spilling.
Ingredients
Enjoy thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a delicious tangy and savory dressing for this easy Asian cucumber salad. A great choice for an appetizer or as a side dish!
For the Salad
- 5 Persian cucumbers
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Dressing
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2-1 tbsp sugar (see notes)
- 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili oil
- 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tbsp garlic (minced (optional))
How to Make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
- Rinse and slice one end of the cucumber at an angle.
- Continue slicing at an angle until all cucumbers are cut. Aim for oval slices rather than round ones, adjusting thickness based on personal preference.
- Place the sliced cucumbers in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of salt.
Step 2: Draw Out Water
- Mix the cucumbers with salt well to ensure even distribution.
- Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the salt to draw out excess water.
Step 3: Rinse Cucumbers
- After 20 minutes, drain the water from the cucumbers.
- Give them a quick rinse under cold water for about 10 seconds before returning them back to the mixing bowl.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
- Add sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and minced garlic (if using) to the bowl with cucumbers.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or appetizer. Enjoy your easy Asian cucumber salad!
How to Serve Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Easy Asian cucumber salad is a refreshing dish perfect for any meal. Its light and crunchy texture makes it an ideal accompaniment to various foods.
As a Side Dish
- Pair it with grilled meats for a delicious contrast.
- Serve alongside rice dishes for added crunch and flavor.
As a Snack
- Enjoy it on its own for a quick, healthy snack.
- Pair with rice crackers for extra crunch.
In Wraps
- Add it to wraps or sandwiches for a burst of freshness.
- Use as a topping on tacos for an Asian twist.
With Noodles
- Toss it into cold noodle salads for extra texture.
- Serve it atop stir-fried noodles to balance the flavors.
How to Perfect Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
To make your easy Asian cucumber salad even better, consider these simple tips.
- Choose fresh cucumbers: Opt for firm Persian cucumbers for the best crunch and flavor.
- Adjust the sugar: Tailor the sweetness by varying the sugar amount based on your taste preference.
- Add more veggies: Consider including sliced bell peppers or carrots for additional color and nutrition.
- Use quality soy sauce: A good soy sauce enhances the overall flavor of the dressing.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
This easy Asian cucumber salad pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.
- Teriyaki Chicken: Sweet and savory grilled chicken that complements the salad’s flavors perfectly.
- Steamed Rice: A classic base that balances the tanginess of the cucumber salad.
- Spring Rolls: Fresh vegetables wrapped in rice paper add a delightful crunch.
- Sesame Noodles: Chilled noodles dressed in sesame sauce make a great sidekick.
- Tofu Stir-Fry: Flavorful tofu mixed with vegetables provides protein and texture.
- Kimchi: Spicy fermented cabbage adds zing and depth to your meal.
- Edamame: Lightly salted edamame offers a healthy, protein-packed addition to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making an easy Asian cucumber salad is simple, but some common mistakes can impact the final dish. Here are a few to avoid:
Using the wrong cucumber type: Not all cucumbers are created equal. Persian cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin and sweet taste. If you use larger varieties, they may be watery and less flavorful.
Skipping the salting step: Failing to salt the cucumbers before mixing can result in a soggy salad. Salting draws out excess moisture, ensuring a crisp texture.
Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can overpower the fresh flavors of the cucumbers. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste for balance.
Not chilling enough: Serving this salad immediately might not allow the flavors to meld properly. Refrigerating it for at least 20 minutes enhances the taste.
Forgetting the optional ingredients: Ingredients like garlic or additional spices offer extra flavor dimensions. Don’t hesitate to customize based on your preference!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent odor absorption.
Freezing Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as it alters the texture of cucumbers.
- If you must freeze, consider only freezing portions of the dressing separately.
Reheating Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
- Oven: Not recommended; this dish is best served cold.
- Microwave: Use sparingly; if needed, warm it briefly on low power.
- Stovetop: Again, not ideal; serve chilled for optimal taste and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making easy Asian cucumber salad:
What is easy Asian cucumber salad?
Easy Asian cucumber salad is a refreshing dish made with thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a savory dressing, perfect for a side or appetizer.
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian?
While you can use regular cucumbers, Persian cucumbers provide a sweeter flavor and firmer texture which enhances this salad’s appeal.
How do I make my easy Asian cucumber salad spicier?
To add heat, increase the chili oil or include red pepper flakes for an extra kick without overwhelming the dish.
How long can I store easy Asian cucumber salad?
You can store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days before it starts losing its crunch.
Final Thoughts
This easy Asian cucumber salad is not only quick to prepare but also versatile. It brings brightness and freshness to any meal and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy experimenting with flavors that suit your taste!
Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and versatile dish that brightens any meal with its crisp texture and tangy dressing. This quick salad features thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a delightful mix of sesame oil, rice vinegar, and chili oil, offering a perfect balance of savory and slightly spicy flavors. Ideal as an appetizer, side dish, or light snack, it pairs beautifully with grilled meats or rice dishes. Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue or preparing a family dinner, this salad is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and delicious taste.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 5 Persian cucumbers
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2-1 tbsp sugar (to taste)
- 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili oil
- 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tbsp minced garlic (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse cucumbers and slice them at an angle into oval shapes. Place in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with salt.
- Mix well and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to draw out excess water.
- Drain the cucumbers, rinse briefly under cold water, and return to the bowl.
- Add sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and minced garlic to the bowl. Stir until well combined.
- Serve immediately as a side dish or appetizer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 65
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
